Popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s involvement in the sensational murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy has taken a dramatic turn in Bengaluru, according to court documents accessed by NDTV. Pradoosh S Rao, a close aide of the actor, has approached a Bengaluru court to seek pardon and turn approver in the ongoing legal proceedings. Rao has offered to make a full and true disclosure regarding the crime and the role of the actor, marking the first time a co-accused present during the June 8, 2024, assault has provided a detailed first-person account.
Court Petition Details Alleged Torture and Actor’s Direct Involvement
According to the petition filed by Pradoosh S Rao, the victim was tortured and killed at a shed in Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. The attack allegedly stemmed from lewd remarks made on social media posts belonging to the actor’s co-star and girlfriend, Pavithra Gowda. Rao stated that upon reaching the shed, he saw Renukaswamy sitting on the floor surrounded by several men while Darshan abused him over messages sent to Gowda. The petition claims the actor asked Gowda to hit the victim with her slipper before other men took turns beating him with sticks.
The court filing further details that Darshan assaulted Renukaswamy with a nylon rope, kicked him on the neck and chest, and stood with both legs on the victim’s chest. Rao claimed he warned the actor that the victim would die if the assault continued, but the beating did not stop. The actor’s driver, Lakshman, later informed Rao that Renukaswamy had died. Both Darshan and Gowda were arrested in 2024 in connection with the case.
Did You Know? Pradoosh S Rao stated in his petition that after learning of the victim’s death, he visited Darshan’s house, where the actor allegedly threatened to kill himself if Rao did not cooperate with a cover-up plot.
Cover-Up Attempts and Financial Payouts Alleged by Co-Accused
Following the death of Renukaswamy, the actor allegedly devised a fake murder story involving a financial dispute to conceal his role, according to Rao’s account. The petition claims Darshan brought out a bag of cash and handed Rs 15 lakh to two men to find individuals who would surrender in the murder case. The victim’s body was subsequently placed in a white Scorpio while the group scouted for a disposal location, eventually dumping the remains near a drain. Several men surrendered at a police station two days later, while Rao and others were caught by the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is accused in the murder of Renukaswamy?
Popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, and several aides including Pradoosh S Rao are linked to the case.
When and where did the incident occur?
The victim was tortured and killed on June 8, 2024, at a shed in Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru.
What triggered the assault according to the court petition?
The attack allegedly occurred over lewd remarks sent via messages to Pavithra Gowda’s social media posts.
How will this detailed first-person account from an insider impact the unfolding legal proceedings against the high-profile defendants?
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